The Croydon Planning Sub-Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted permission for a new residential flat at 319 Whitehorse Road, and for a new dwelling at land rear of 83-87 Edridge Road. Permission was also granted for a retrospective change of use from a single-family dwellinghouse to a 6-bedroom HMO at 22 Brighton Road.

Redevelopment of 89 Wodden Way (Pre-application Discussion)

The committee received a presentation on the proposed redevelopment of 89 Wodden Way, Croydon, CR0 4HY. This was a pre-application discussion, meaning no decision was made at this meeting. The developers, Belway, presented a revised scheme for 138 new homes, including 22.5% affordable housing (100% social rented). Key changes from previous proposals include retaining all protected trees, increasing public open space, and reducing building heights to a maximum of four storeys.

Councillor Lily Ponath-O'Rai, the ward councillor for Wodden, spoke in favour of the redevelopment, highlighting the site's long-term vacancy and its current state of disrepair. She emphasised the need for community benefit, suggesting a modest cafe or community space would be valuable. She also welcomed the retention of the Grade 2 listed diving platform and the commitment to affordable housing, urging discussions on nomination rights to meet local housing needs. Concerns were raised regarding the design and character, with a request for greater architectural variation. Transport and parking were also highlighted as significant issues, with residents experiencing congestion on Wodden Way.

Committee members generally welcomed the progress on the site and the improvements from previous applications. There was strong support for the inclusion of a commercial or community space, though some members expressed reservations about this coming at the expense of affordable housing. Concerns were raised about the uniformity of the four-storey blocks and a desire for more architectural variation and stronger Art Deco influences. Landscaping, public realm, and the integration of the listed diving platform were discussed, with a focus on ensuring public safety and accessibility. The mix of housing, particularly the number of one-bedroom flats and the provision of three-bedroom homes, was also a point of discussion, with a general desire for more larger family homes. Parking provision was a significant concern for several councillors, given existing congestion in the area.

Land Adjoining 54 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, SE19 3ER

The committee considered a reserved matters application for land adjoining 54 Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood. This application related to access, appearance, landscaping, and layout for five new three-bedroom dwellings. The scale of the development had been approved previously.

Objectors, David Smith and Councillor Claire Bonham, raised concerns about safety, particularly regarding fire engine access to house number four, which was noted to be beyond the 45-metre maximum hose distance. They also highlighted highway safety issues at the junction of Harold Road and Beulah Hill, especially concerning the large number of schoolchildren using nearby bus stops. Councillor Bonham also raised concerns about biodiversity and the need for mature tree planting. She also suggested naming opportunities related to the site's history, referencing Pickles the Dog who found the stolen Jules Rimet trophy.

The applicant's agent, Mr. Padalino, addressed the fire safety concerns, stating that modern fire engines have a 200-metre hose, making the 45-metre rule a myth. He also confirmed that the scheme provides much-needed housing and accords with planning policies.

Officers confirmed that transport plans included visibility displays and swept paths, and that the extension of double yellow lines would mitigate highway safety concerns. Regarding fire safety, officers noted that the London Plan policy D12 requires developers to consider fire safety early, and the provided strategy complied with this.

During deliberation, councillors discussed the access arrangements, with some expressing ongoing concerns about junction safety and the proximity of bus stops. The appearance of the development was debated, with some disliking the use of zinc cladding, while others found the overall design acceptable. Landscaping was generally well-received, with a request for mature trees and a commitment to honour the site's heritage. The layout was also discussed, with satisfaction expressed regarding the spacing between buildings.

Ultimately, the committee resolved to grant planning permission for the development, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

319 Whitehorse Road, Croydon, CR0 2HR

The committee considered an application for a change of use from a rear storage area of a hot food takeaway to a one-bedroom residential dwelling under the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). This application was brought to the committee because the applicant, Councillor Humayun Kabir, is a member of the subcommittee.

Officers presented the proposal, explaining that under the GPDO, the principle of changing certain commercial uses to residential is automatically approved if specific criteria are met. The council's role was to assess specific impacts, including transport, contamination, flooding, design, natural light, and space standards. The proposed dwelling met all the necessary criteria under Class M of the GPDO, including being under 150 square metres, not extending the building's footprint, and not being in a designated area.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Paul Lenscoff, speaking on behalf of the Green Independent Group, about potential overdevelopment and the impact on existing residents. He questioned the daylight and sunlight provision and potential lack of privacy from the car parking area. Officers clarified that the proposed flat would have adequate natural light and that the distance to neighbouring properties was considered sufficient to avoid overlooking. They also confirmed that the proposal was for a car-free development, with cycle storage provided and a Section 106 agreement to prevent residents from obtaining parking permits.

During deliberation, councillors acknowledged the comprehensive report and the fact that the application met the required standards. Councillor Johnson expressed no reason to turn down the application, and Councillor Shortland thanked the officers for the presentation.

The committee resolved to grant planning permission, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement.

BT Street Hub Applications

The committee considered five applications for the installation of BT Street Hubs at various locations across Croydon:

• 68 High Street, Croydon, CR0 9XN
• Pavement O/S 296 London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TG
• Pavement O/S 265 High Street, Croydon, CR0 1QH
• Pavement O/S Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY
• Pavement O/S West Croydon Railway Station, London Road, Croydon, CR0 2TA

Tiffany Chan, Planning Officer, presented the applications, and Councillor Sutton addressed the committee as the referring ward councillor for all five.

For each of the five applications, the motion to grant permission in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor Lee and seconded by Councillor Johnson. All motions were carried unanimously, meaning permission was granted for all five BT Street Hub installations.

Land Rear of 83-87 Edridge Road, Croydon, CR0 1EJ

The committee considered an application for the erection of a single-storey two-bedroom detached dwelling. Tracey Williams, Planning Officer, presented the application. Steven Jacobs spoke in objection, and Simon Rickards spoke in support as the agent. Councillor Sutton addressed the committee as the referring ward councillor.

After deliberation, the motion to grant the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor Davis and seconded by Councillor Fernandes. The motion was carried unanimously, and permission was granted for the development.

22 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, CR5 2BA

The committee considered a retrospective application for a change of use from a single-family dwellinghouse to a six-bedroom HMO, with associated provision for cycle and refuse, parking, and electric vehicle charging points. Hoa Vong, Deputy Team Leader, presented the application. No speakers addressed the committee.

The motion to grant the application in accordance with the officer recommendation was proposed by Councillor Fitzsimons and seconded by Councillor Redfern. The motion was carried unanimously, and permission was granted for the development.